Welcome Circles for Refugees
May every parish become a refuge.
"I make this appeal to journey together towards an ever wider "we" to all men and women, for the sake of renewing the human family, building together a future of justice and peace, and ensuring that no one is left behind."
~ Pope Francis
What are Welcome Circles for Refugees?
A Welcome Circle is a caring group of 5-20 people who accompany a family into housing, employment, benefits, healthcare, transportation, ESL classes and translation support, but mostly serve as friends and navigators on the journey into integration.
Our Welcome Circle Coordinator assists and accompanies volunteers from parishes, faith communities, schools, neighborhood groups, or organizations who are willing to provide financial support, guidance, and community connections to help families resettle in Western Washington.
Welcome Circles help families become financially stable once here, help fundraise if needed, and they assist families for a potential two-year stay, though most stabolize in the first six months.
The Archdiocese of Seattle is honored to be one of six agencies nationwide participating in Welcome Circles for Refugees, a program developed by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop’s (USCCB) Migration & Refugee Services. While we started with helping Ukrainians, we are now expanding efforts and forming circles for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, Venezuelans and asylum-seekers as well. New this year, we are including people in the refugee pipeline.
Hear From Our Welcome Circles
Get Involved
Welcome Circles are guided through the entire process from discernment through certification, preparing for arrival and supporting families after they arrive. The goal is to help every parish to be a refuge, a place where refugees can access support and accompaniment. With refugees from around the world in our neighborhoods, we are ready to help you in welcoming them.
Whether you are ready to start a Circle or want to support the effort with housing, employment, or resources, reach out to us and we will connect you. Best of all, our staff will mentor you through the process every step of the way.
Inquire about Welcome Circles
We can host info sessions in-person or over Zoom, at pop up info tables after masses, at events, deanery meetings, schools, and regional gatherings anywhere within the Archdiocese. Our Welcome Circle Coordinator is available to answer questions & help you get started.
Contact Amy Nash at 206-550-1204
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Archbishop Borys Gudziak addresses Catholics in the United States on June 7, 2022 after 100 days of war in Ukraine, from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
CONTACT US
Chris Koehler - Director of Missions & Immigrant Affairs - Chris.Koehler@seattlearch.org
Amy Nash - Welcome Circle Coordinator - Amy.Nash@seattlearch.org (206) 550-1204